Clamshell-type duvet cover and related methodologies

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are improvements to duvet cover apparatus and related methods. The disclosed duvet cover and methodologies are suitably hygienic, quick and easy to put onto a bed, efficient for patronage turnover in hospitality industries. In a preferred embodiment, the disclosed apparatus is a clam-shell type duvet cover.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO AN APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC AND INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE OF THE MATERIAL ON THE COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINT INVENTOR

Reserved for a later date, if necessary.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of Invention

The disclosed subject matter is in the field of duvet covers.

Background of the Invention and Description of Related Art

Hospitality related services, like hotel or cruise ship lodging, typically involve providing residential accommodations to travelers. A primary concern for travelers is usually their sleeping arrangements and accommodations. For instance, travelers often want to sleep in clean (hygienic), comfortable, and neatly made-up bedding.

Providing clean, comfortable, and neatly made-up bedding can be challenging to providers of hospitality related services that see a high rate of patronage turnover. One challenge is that soiled bedding must be swapped with fresh bedding before a bed can be made-up and some types of bedding, like duvet covers, are difficult, tedious, or otherwise inefficient to change. In view of the foregoing, providers of hospitality related services are frequently on the lookout for apparatus and related methodologies that may improve the efficiency of changes to bedding.

Duvet covers are one challenging piece of bedding to change efficiently. The two most common types of duvet covers used by providers of hospitality related services are: (1) a make-shift duvet cover comprising two regular flat sheets folded around the duvet; and (2) an envelope-style duvet cover into which a duvet is inserted. The difficulty of making a bed while changing each of these types of covers is discussed below.

First, the duvet covered with two-sheets involves the sandwiching of a duvet or comforter between the two sheets before the assembly is tucked and folded around the mattress to make the bed. The methodology of making a bed with this type of duvet cover is a follows: (A) a first flat bed sheet (not part of the duvet cover) is spread out over a mattress and all four sides of the sheet tucked under the corresponding sides of the mattress; (B) a second flat bed sheet is spread out onto the first flat bed sheet without tucking; (C) the duvet or comforter is spread out over the second flat bed sheet; (D) a third flat bed sheet is spread out over the duvet or comforter; (E) the headboard side of the third sheet is tucked under the headboard side margin of the duvet/comforter; (F) headboard side of the second sheet is tucked over the headboard margins of both the mattress and tucked third sheet; (G) the left, right, and foot sides of both of the second and third sheets are tucked under the mattress; and (H) cased pillows are provided to the head of the bed.

Two flat-sheets that make up a duvet cover (a comforter sandwiched in between two flat sheets) can sometimes result in a neatly and efficiently made up bed. However, the process of using a two-sheet style duvet cover is not necessarily clean and hygienic. The stated lack of hygiene for this system of duvet covering is primarily a result of the sheets becoming separated, wherein patrons are contacted to the duvet or mattress itself. CNN—Philip Tierno says, “when humans sleep they shed about 1.5 million cells or cell cluster an hour. Dead skin, hair, bodily secretions, fungi, bacteria, dust . . . , and more.” Duvets and mattresses are washed infrequently and contact with the duvet can be toxic. Actually, many reports and hidden cameras have exposed the dirty secrets of hotels do not wash the duvets or comforters at all. The situation of unwashed duvets is so common that it has become a colloquialism to warn hotel patrons: you're not sleeping alone in that hotel bed, but rather with the guests before you”.

Second, the duvet covered with an envelope style duvet cover involves the inserting of a duvet or comforter into a pocket defined by (i) the sewn seams long the header, left side, and right side of the duvet cover and (ii) an opening with a closure (e.g., Velcro®, zipper, buttons, ties etc). The methodology of making a bed with this type of duvet cover is a follows: (A) a flat bed sheet (not part of the duvet cover) is spread out over a mattress and all four sides of the sheet tucked under the corresponding sides of the mattress; (B) the envelope is spread out over the flat bed sheet; (C) the duvet or comforter is inserted into the envelope pocket via the opening; (D) the opening is closed; (D) the sides and foot of the enclosed duvet are tucked under the mattress or otherwise left hanging over the side of the mattress; and (E) cased pillows are provided to the head of the bed.

Although capable of resulting in a clean, comfortable, and neatly made-up bed, beds made with an envelope style duvet cover involve a time consuming and inefficient process. Specifically, inserting or removing the duvet or comforter from the envelope can be difficult, time consuming, or tedious. This inefficiency can be problematic when a high rate of patronage turnover is expected.

Related art also includes:

-   U.S. Pat. No. 7,013,509 by Hickman (circa 2006) discloses “easy     on/easy off pillow and blanket cover;” -   EP0853907A2 & GB2318051A by Sutton (circa 1998) disclose a “duvet     cover;” -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,181,790 by Writz (circa 2007) discloses a     “protective cover for a comforter;” -   GB2321851A by Snijders (circa 1997) discloses “duvet cover;” -   GB1013052A by Slater (circa 1962) discloses “improvements to bed     coverings;” -   FR2715550A1 by Daniel (circa 1994) discloses “sheet or duvet cover     fixed to lower sheet;” -   GB1287693A by Hockley et al. (circa 1973) discloses a “unit for     protecting a supporting surface from soiling by a human or an     animal;” and, -   EP1082928A1 by Revermann (circa 2000) discloses “duvet cover.”

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, an object of this specification is to disclose improvements to duvet cover apparatus and related methods. It is yet a further object of this disclosure to provide a more hygienic duvet covering system that is both quick and easy to put onto a bed and that reduces the time for patronage turnover in hospitality industries. In a preferred embodiment, the disclosed apparatus is a clam-shell type duvet cover. Specifically, the disclosed duvet cover is defined by an embellished header and two sheets of fabric that are joined along a header seam and along two lateral edge seams, where each of the lateral edge seams is positioned proximate to the header seam along a portion of the respective lateral edges. In use, ends of the lateral edge operates as a both a closure and a hinge so that the two sheets may be opened and provided around a duvet. In a preferred embodiment, the disclosed clamshell-type duvet cover is constructed with the lateral edge seams extending twelve inches along the lateral sides of the two sheets, where the sheets are configured to standard flat sheet sizes plus about five (5) inches more drape. Suitably, the header seam defines a hinge for the embellished header so that it may be folded over a duvet to add aesthetic patterns to the top of a made-up bed.

In use, the header portion part of the clamshell-type duvet cover accepts a duvet between the sheets and within the lateral edge seams and header seam. Suitably, the arrangement may then work like a hinge process so that the sheets may be completely closed around the duvet or comforter to keep the same from being exposed to a user's face or body. Preferably, the lateral edge seams result in closed upper sides of the duvet cover which creates stability and non-movability of the duvet or comforter. Additionally, there is more added length to the side drape than the conventional standard flat sheet and conventional standard size comforter/duvet to keep the comforter/duvet well-hidden and covered.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objectives of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the invention has been shown and described. The manner in which these objectives and other desirable characteristics can be obtained is explained in the following description and attached figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clamshell-type duvet cover 1000 and pillows 2000 made-up on a mattress 3000 positioned on a bedframe 4000;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the clamshell type duvet cover 1000;

FIG. 3A is diagram of a first step in the process of manipulating the clamshell-type duvet cover 1000;

FIG. 3B is diagram of a second step in the process of manipulating the clamshell-type duvet cover 1000;

FIG. 3C is diagram of a third step in the process of manipulating the clamshell-type duvet cover 1000;

FIG. 3D is diagram of a fourth step in the process of manipulating the clamshell-type duvet cover 1000;

FIG. 3E is diagram of a fifth step in the process of manipulating the clamshell-type duvet cover 1000;

FIG. 3F is diagram of a sixth step in the process of manipulating the clamshell-type duvet cover 1000;

FIG. 3G is diagram of a seventh step in the process of manipulating the clamshell-type duvet cover 1000; and,

FIG. 3H is diagram of an eighth step in the process of manipulating the clamshell-type duvet cover 1000.

In the figures, the following components of the disclosed apparatus are identified below with corresponding reference numerals:

Clamshell-type duvet cover—1000;

-   -   Header—1100;         -   Header seam—1150;     -   Top sheet—1200;         -   Lateral edge seams—1250;     -   Bottom sheet—1300;

Duvet or comforter—1500;

Pillow—2000;

Mattress—3000; and,

Bed frame—4000.

It is to be noted, however, that the appended figures illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments that will be appreciated by those reasonably skilled in the relevant arts. Also, figures are not necessarily made to scale but are representative.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed are improvements to duvet cover apparatus and related methods. The disclosed duvet cover and methodologies are suitably hygienic, quick and easy to put onto a bed, efficient for patronage turnover in hospitality industries. In a preferred embodiment, the disclosed apparatus is a clam-shell type duvet cover. The more specific features of the disclosed clamshell type duvet cover are disclosed below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clamshell-type duvet cover 1000 and pillows 2000 made-up on a mattress 3000 positioned on a bedframe 4000. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the clamshell type duvet cover 1000. As shown, the depicted clamshell type duvet cover comprises: embellished header 1100, a top sheet 1200, and a bottom sheet. As discussed below, the clamshell-type duvet cover is defined by the embellished header 1100, the top sheet 1200, and the bottom sheet 1300 where the top and bottom sheets 1200, 1300 (a) both connected to the header 1100 along a header seam 1150 (not shown in FIG. 1 or 2) and (b) connected to each other along two lateral edge seams 1250 (not shown in FIG. 1 or 2).

FIG. 3A is diagram of a first step in the process of manipulating the clamshell-type duvet cover 1000 of FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown, the header 1200 suitably defines a flap with embellishments (e.g., stripes) on one side and a blank on the other side. In a default configuration, the header 1100 may be folded blank-side down over the headboard side margin of the top sheet 1200 of the duvet cover 1000 around the header seam 1150 as a hinge point. In one mode of manipulation of the duvet cover 1000, the header 1100 may be hinged around the header seam 1200 to expose the lateral edge seams 1250 where each of the lateral edge seams 1250 is positioned proximate to the header seam 1150 along a portion of the respective lateral edges of the top and bottom sheets 1200, 1300.

FIG. 3B is diagram of a second step in the process of manipulating the clamshell-type duvet cover 1000 of FIGS. 1 through 3A. As shown, the top sheet 1200 suitably defines a flap. In a default configuration, the top sheet may be folded away from the bottom sheet 1300 over the headboard side margin of the top sheet 1200 of the duvet cover 1000. Suitably, the ends of the lateral edge seams 1250 operates as a hinge 1251 so that the two sheets may be opened and provided around a duvet. In one mode of manipulation of the duvet cover 1000, the top sheet 1200 may be hinged around the hinge 1251 at the ends of the lateral seams 1250 to expose the lower sheet 1300.

FIG. 3C is diagram of a third step in the process of manipulating the clamshell-type duvet cover 1000. FIG. 3D is diagram of a fourth step in the process of manipulating the clamshell-type duvet cover 1000. In use, the duvet cover 1000 is configured to accept a duvet or comforter 1500 between the sheets 1200, 1300 and within the lateral edge seams 1250 and header seam 1150.

FIG. 3E is diagram of a fifth step in the process of manipulating the clamshell-type duvet cover 1000. Suitably, the top sheet, bottom sheet, lateral edge seams, and header seam 1150, and hinge 1251 may operate like a pocket and hinge process so that the sheets 1200, 1300 may be completely closed around the duvet or comforter 1500 to keep the same from being exposed to a user's face or body (not shown). Preferably, the lateral edge seams 1250 result in closed upper sides of the duvet cover 1000 which creates stability and non-movability of the duvet or comforter. In use, ends of the lateral edge seams operates as both a closure and a hinge so that the two sheets may be opened and provided around a duvet.

FIG. 3G is diagram of a seventh step in the process of manipulating the clamshell-type duvet cover 1000. FIG. 3H is diagram of an eighth step in the process of manipulating the clamshell-type duvet cover 1000. As shown, the duvet cover 1000 containing a duvet may be positioned over a mattress 3000, tucked under the mattress 3000 and above a bed frame 4000, and provided with pillows 2000.

In a preferred embodiment, the disclosed clamshell-type duvet cover is constructed with a header that extends six (6) inches from the header seam 1150 and with the lateral edge seams extending twelve (12) to eighteen inches (18) along the lateral sides of the two sheets from the header seam 1150. Additionally, there is more added length to the side drape than the conventional standard flat sheet and conventional standard size comforter/duvet 1500 (shown in dashed lines under top sheet 1200) to keep the comforter/duvet 1500 (shown in dashed lines under top sheet 1200) well-hidden and covered. In a preferred mode, duvet cover 1000 is configured to standard flat sheet sizes plus about five (5) inches more drape. Specifically, the dimension are: (1) for a king size, one hundred and sixteen inches wide by one hundred and twenty issues long; (2) for queen size, one hundred inches wide by one hundred eighteen inches long; (3) for full size, ninety inches wide by one hundred and ten inches long; and (4) for twin size, seventy five inches wide by one hundred and ten inches long.

FIG. 3F is diagram of a sixth step in the process of manipulating the clamshell-type duvet cover 1000. As shown, the figure illustrates the folding of the header 1100 around the hinge 1150. Suitably, the header seam 1150 defines a hinge for the embellished header 1100 so that it may be folded over (blank side down) a contained duvet 1500 to add aesthetic patterns to the headboard side margin of a made-up bed.

FIGS. 3A through 3G illustrate a preferred mode of making up a bed using the disclosed clamshell-type duvet cover 1000. As shown in the figures, the clamshell-type duvet cover header seam 1150, and lateral edge seams 1250 create a completely closed headboard side of the duvet cover 1000 that may accept and hinge 1251 over a duvet or comforter to keep it from being exposed to a sleeping person's face and body. Along with the enclosed portion of the clamshell-type duvet cover, is the twelve to eighteen-inch closed upper sides of the duvet cover which creates stability and non-movability of the comforter. Referring to FIGS. 3A through 3G, the preferred methodology is accomplished according to the following steps: (A) a flat bed sheet (not part of the duvet cover) is spread out over a mattress and all four sides of the sheet tucked under the corresponding sides of the mattress; (B) the duvet cover 1000 is spread out over the flat bed sheet on the mattress; (C) the header 1100 is hinged along the header seam 1150; (D) the top sheet 1200 is lift around the hinge 1251 and the duvet or comforter 1500 is inserted into the between the sheets so that it is partially enclosed against the lateral edge seams 1250 and the header seam 1150; (E) the top sheet 1200 is hinged downward; (F) the header 1100 is hinged over the lateral edge seams 1250 of the duvet cover 1000, blank side down; (G) the sides and foot of the enclosed duvet 1500 and duvet cover are tucked under the mattress 3000 or otherwise left hanging over the side of the mattress 3000; and (H) cased pillows 2000 are provided to the head of the bed 4000.

Although the method and apparatus is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead might be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the disclosed method and apparatus, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the claimed invention should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open-ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like, the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof, the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more,” or the like, and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that might be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases might be absent. The use of the term “assembly” does not imply that the components or functionality described or claimed as part of the module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic or other components, might be combined in a single package or separately maintained and might further be distributed across multiple locations.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives might be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.

All original claims submitted with this specification are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein. 

I claim:
 1. A method of making a bed comprising the steps of: a. providing a duvet to between a top sheet and a bottom sheet so that a headboard side of the duvet cover is enclosed by the top and bottom sheets, two lateral edge seams, and a header seam; b. folding the top sheet over the duvet cover so that the whole duvet cover is positioned between the top and bottom sheets; and, c. folding a header over the header seam. 